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Members of a group on Facebook have responded angrily to Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse‘s refusal to wear the club jersey, resorting to racial abuse. Cisse said he would not wear the club’s new jersey as their shirt sponsorship deal with internet loan company Wonga goes against the religious views of the Senegal international.
A practising Muslim, Cisse cited Sharia law that states that Muslims must not benefit from lending money to others. Along with this, Cisse also wants to become the highest paid player on Tyneside.
According to reports, the club are ‘privately bemused by Cisse’s stance given he was happy to wear the logo of Virgin Money last season, a bank that also makes money from loans, as well as mortgages and overdraft charges.’ Adding to the irony of the issue, the new sponsorship deal with Wonga would bring in more money than their previous deal with Virgin Money — which could easily help improve the Newcastle squad as well as improve Cisse’s contract, which the former Freiburg man desires.
Despite this, the club have been disgusted by the Facebook group’s remarks on Cisse and have reported the issue to the Northumbria police who have now gotten involved.
“We have been made aware of abusive comments made on Facebook. Northumbria Police take all reports of abuse very seriously and enquiries are being conducted.” - Northumbria Chief Supt Dianne Winship.
Cisse joined Newcastle in the January 2011 transfer window and has gone on to score 26 goals in 61 games for the Toon.
